The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and other stakeholders, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to prevent the escalation of labor disputes.
The MOU was formalized during the 2nd Quarter Mobile Meeting held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Margosatubig town, Zamboanga del Sur. Other signatories included Zamboanga del Sur Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers and officials of the Job Placement Officers Association Inc.
DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Albert Gutib explained that the MOU establishes a strengthened collaboration among DOLE, NCMB, and the PESO-JPO Association to enhance community-based labor dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms through the ADR framework.
Under the agreement, the parties commit to strengthening the capacity of PESO managers and job placement officers in early intervention, conciliation referral, and proper coordination of labor-related concerns. This ensures that workplace issues are addressed at the earliest possible stage.
The initiative aims to promote industrial peace, voluntary compliance, and efficient resolution of labor issues by empowering PESO officers as frontline partners in the labor relations system at the local level.
Gutib underscored the importance of convergence among DOLE agencies and local partners in ensuring accessible, timely, and responsive labor assistance services, while strengthening preventive mediation mechanisms in the field.
NCMB-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Gerie Lampitoc expressed full support for the partnership, emphasizing that strengthening ADR at the community level significantly contributes to preventing labor disputes from escalating and reinforces harmonious labor-management relations.
The Zamboanga del Sur PESO managers and Job Placement Officers Association Inc. likewise committed to actively supporting the implementation of the MOU through participation in future capability-building activities and closer coordination with NCMB and DOLE field offices.
